Do all dog breeds need bite inhibition training?
Written by
Elin Eriksson
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Bite inhibition training is also necessary for all types of dogs, regardless of size or temperament. All puppies explore their environment with their mouths; it's a natural step in the development of dogkind. Ignore their needs, and you risk an angry, hazel-eyed midget Chihuahua that attacks a loved one as they reach for a bug crawling up their arm; harm can befall the playful mastiff puppy that rambles like a runaway train all over its human friends.
Large Breed Considerations
- Their powerful jaws can cause severe injury without pressure control
- Require stricter zero-tolerance policies for mouthing
- Need early socialization with diverse people and environments
Small Breed Protocols
- Prevent development of "small dog syndrome" snapping behaviors
- Focus on handling sensitivity for grooming and vet visits
- Require same consistency as larger breeds despite less damage risk
All breeds have a biological urge to explore with their mouths and north to south puppies all mouth and play with things from retrievers to terriers. Over the years, I've trained more than 50 breeds and have noticed two things are always true: All puppies bite when they are teething All puppies benefit from mouthing control games
Real-life examples show that every dog needs this training. The vet has to look in the mouth, and untrained dogs don't like that; consequently, they're muzzled for exams. Grooming is dangerous without bite inhibition. Even friendly pups are known to snap unexpectedly while dozing. Dog training for every dog - universal training.
Same principles can be used to refine instincts, without requiring as high of a standard as protection training would. With herding breeds you can redirect bites while in motion. With scent hounds you will probably need to us food as reward. With companion breeds you may need to keep the training sessions short and sweet, and just peppered. Boold of the time the principles are the same: pressure decrease and feedback.
Small breeds pose unique challenges, requiring special care and attention. Owners often excuse bad behavior in a small dog that would not be tolerated in a larger one; hence, their regard for dangerous habits in small dogs is not acknowledged. I pick up more small dogs that bite than big ones. Size neutrality* applies to a Yorkie no less than to a Mastiff.
Read the full article: Puppy Bite Inhibition: Essential Training Guide
